Derrik is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Dubhric," which means "dark ruler." The name has been popular throughout history in Scotland and has also been used as a surname.
The earliest recorded spelling of the name was found in the year 1296, when one "Ricardus filius Dubrichi" appeared in the documents known as the Ragman Rolls. These rolls were created during the Scottish Wars of Independence and contain the names of many prominent Scottish families who swore allegiance to King Edward I of England.
Over time, the name evolved from its original spelling of Dubhric to the more modern spelling of Derrik or Derrick. Despite these changes in spelling, the meaning behind the name has remained constant: dark ruler.
Today, Derrik is still used as a given name and is also found as a surname throughout Scotland and other parts of the world where Scottish immigrants have settled. While it may not be one of the most popular names today, it remains an important part of Scottish history and culture.
The name Derrik has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth with this name was in 1954, with only 7 babies being given this unique moniker.
Interest in the name peaked between the late 1960s to the early 1980s, during which time it became quite popular. In 1980 alone, there were 59 births, marking the highest number of newborn boys named Derrik in any given year since records began.
However, after the early 1980s, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily. By the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, there were fewer than 50 babies named Derrik each year on average. This downward trend has continued up until recent years, with only 5 births recorded in both 2021 and 2022.
Overall, from 1954 to 2023, a total of 2141 newborn boys have been named Derrik in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, this unique name continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its distinctive sound and character.